JP2019501629A - Machine for producing substantially cylindrical articles - Google Patents

Abstract

  The tubular body 3, a container element 4 disposed in the region of the one end 5 of the tubular element 3, a heating element 9 partially accommodated in the container element 4, and a brittle material 14 that generates a flavor. A machine 1 and a method for producing a cylindrical article 2. In use, the brittle material 14 is inserted into the vertically oriented container element 4 and the heating element 9 is partially inserted into the container element 4 by moving downward, resulting in a composite element 67. It is done. Thereafter, the composite element 67 is at least partially inserted into the tubular body 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a machine and method for producing generally cylindrical articles in the tobacco processing industry.

  In recent years, several new smoking articles different from conventional cigarettes have been proposed. The new smoking article is created to provide the smoker with the same feel as a cigarette.

  In particular, a smoking article including a heating element and a flavor generating material has been proposed. In use, the heating element heats the flavor generating material, and as a result, releases the flavoring material that the user inhales during inhalation.

  An example of this type of smoking article is described in Patent Document 1 (US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0013703).

  Currently, the manufacture of articles, including those of the types described above, is performed almost manually or by older machines that require continuous human power. As a result, manufacturing takes time (i.e., low productivity), and the quality of the resulting article is highly variable (and generally poor in quality).

    Patent Document 2 (European Patent No. 257230) describes a cartridge useful for smoking articles and a machine for its manufacture.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0013703 EP 257230 Specification

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine and method that makes it possible to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art, while at the same time being cheap and easy to implement.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a machine as described in the independent claim cited below and any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claim.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate examples of non-limiting embodiments.
1 is a schematic plan view of a machine according to the present invention. The figure which expanded a part of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the machine of FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article obtainable by using a machine of the form and / or method according to the invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the article of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of details of the machine of FIG. 1. The perspective view which looked at the filling unit of the machine of FIG. 1 from the top. FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of details of the filling unit of the machine of FIG. 1 in one working configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of details of the filling unit of the machine of FIG. 1 in another working configuration. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the details of the filling unit of FIGS. 8a and 8b, with portions removed for clarity. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the filling unit of FIG. 7 with a portion removed for clarity. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the filling station of FIG. 10 with portions removed for clarity. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion (particularly an insertion assembly) of the machine of FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the portion of FIG. 12 in a series of work configurations. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the portion of FIG. 12 in a series of work configurations. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the portion of FIG. 12 in a series of work configurations. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the machine of FIG. 1 comprising the portion of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another portion (particularly another insertion assembly) of the machine of FIG. FIG. 18 schematically shows (by side view) a series of working steps in detail for the part of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 schematically shows (by side view) a series of working steps in detail for the part of FIG. 17. FIG. 18 schematically shows (by side view) a series of working steps in detail for the part of FIG. 17.

  In FIG. 1, 1 generally indicates a machine for producing a generally cylindrical article 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the tobacco processing industry. Each article 2 is a tubular body 3 and a container element 4 arranged in the region of one end 5 of the tubular body 3, an end opening 6 facing outward, at least one side wall 7 and an end opening 5. A container element 4 having a bottom wall 8 facing the outside, partly within the container element 4 and through the end opening 6 to the outside of the container element 4 (in particular through the end 5 to the outside of the tubular body 3). And a substantially rigid element 9 having an end portion 10 protruding therefrom.

  According to some embodiments, the container element 4 is made of paper or the like (and thus easily deformed).

  In particular, the bottom wall 8 is at least partially permeable to gas. According to a particular embodiment, the bottom wall 8 comprises a plurality of holes.

  Advantageously, the container element (see in particular FIGS. 4 and 5) has a collar 11 extending around the end opening 6. More precisely, the collar 11 is formed by folding the end edge of the side wall 7 on itself.

  In some cases, the substantially rigid element 9 includes a heat generating element (carbonaceous material such as carbon) (more precisely, the heat generating element itself).

  In particular, the substantially rigid element 9 and the container element 4 are substantially integral. The substantially rigid element 9 is formed in a shape connected to the container element 4.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an advantageous example of an embodiment. In this example, the side wall 7 has a (different) deformation part 12 (more precisely, a bent part toward the inside of the container element 4), and the substantially rigid element 9 is a separate deformation connected to the deformation part 12. It has a part 13 (concave part). The deformations 12 and 13 cooperate with each other to stabilize the positioning of the generally rigid element 9 in the container element 4.

  In addition or alternatively, an adhesive may be added to tie the substantially rigid element 9 to the container element 4.

  Each article 2 further includes a brittle material 14 (more precisely, a flavor generating material) disposed in the container element 4 between the substantially rigid element 9 and the bottom wall 8.

  The brittle material 14 is typically a powder material or a granular material (particularly a powder). For example, the brittle material 14 comprises tobacco (particularly, or more precisely, a powder) (more specifically, made of the same powder).

  According to an alternative embodiment, the article 2 comprises a non-brittle substance (instead of a brittle material 14) (an integral solid).

  According to a particular non-limiting example, the article 2 additionally comprises a filter 15 arranged in the region of the end 16 facing the end 5 of the tubular body 3.

  According to some non-limiting embodiments (FIG. 1), the machine 1 comprises a feed assembly 17 for the container element 4. This feed assembly comprises a feed housing 18 of the type known per se and schematically configured to orient the container element 4 vertically (with the end opening upward). In particular, the feed assembly comprises an inner conveyor that selects and lifts the container element 4 with the help of a guide that interacts with the collar 11. According to this non-limiting embodiment, the machine 1 further comprises a conveyor 19 for transferring container elements from the storage 18 to a work conveyor 20 (especially a drum).

  According to a non-limiting embodiment, the conveyor 20 is configured to intermittently move intermittently, i.e., a movement step in which the conveyor 20 is moving and a stop step in which the conveyor 20 stops are alternately cycled. It is set to circulate with continuous movement. The conveyor 20 includes a number of seats 21 formed around the conveyor 20 itself and divided into several groups. In particular, each group has a number of seats 21 arranged along a straight line (so as to form a polygon in a plane on the surface of the conveyor 20). As shown in FIG. 6, each group has 14 seats 21 arranged in a straight line.

  The next steps of the manufacturing process of the articles 2 contained in the same group of seats 21 (for example, loading of the brittle material 14, insertion of the substantially rigid elements 9 etc.) are carried out in parallel, i.e. of the same group. It is carried out simultaneously for all container elements 4 contained in the seat 21.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a continuous collection of empty container elements 4 conveyed from the storage 18 and aligned on the conveyor 19 is fed to the area of the pick-up station PS. In this region, the arm 22 has a plurality of suction members 23 (for example, 14 suction members 23) as many as the number of seats 21 in each group, and is disposed above the conveyor 20.

  The arm 22 is movable in the vertical direction between a stationary ascending position and a descending position. In use, the arm 22 is introduced into the lowered position in the area of the conveyor 19 and the member 23 enters the container element 4 and removes the container element 4 (by suction). At this point, the arm 22 rises and moves onto the seat 21, and then descends so that each container element 4 fits within the respective seat 21. Subsequently, the member 23 stops operating and is lifted back to the conveyor 19.

  It should be noted that the arm 22 advantageously comprises moving means (a type known per se, not shown). This moving means allows the container element 4 itself to be inserted into the seat 21 (spaced away from each other) from the closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 6) required to remove the container element 4 from the conveyor element 19. The members 23 are configured to be separated from each other by moving the members 23 to the open configuration necessary to do so.

  At this point, the conveyor 20 sends the container elements 4 from the pick-up station PS through the loading station CS moving under the filling unit 24. This filling unit is configured to insert a brittle material 14 inside each filling element 4.

  Referring to what is shown in FIG. 7, the filling unit 14 comprises a fixed upper hopper 25 created by a screw conveyor for conveying tobacco powder. The screw conveyor comprises an outer tubular sleeve 26 having a vertical axis provided in the region of the upper end of the loading port for tobacco powder which is then discharged into the lower hopper 27.

  In the lower hopper 27, an annular chamber C for collecting powdered tobacco, delimited by a cylindrical side wall 28, is obtained. The outlet of the upper hopper 25 is arranged in the area of the collection chamber C. This region of the collection chamber C is another region of the collection chamber C, which is the region opposite to the region in which a pair of scraper elements 29 and 30 are provided and which are sequentially disposed. In particular, the scraper element 29 is provided for roughing off the powder material. The scraper element 29 is connected to the cylindrical side wall 28 and is made as a septum with dimensions equal to the width of the collection chamber C. A scraper element 30 is further provided downstream of the scraper element 29 in order to finely scrape the powder material. The scraper element 30 is fixed to the cylindrical side wall 28 and is made as a septum with dimensions smaller than the width of the collection chamber C.

  The filling unit 24 comprises a plurality of discs arranged under the lower hopper 27 and made to fill the brittle material 14 into the empty container element 4. The plurality of disks rotate at a predetermined cycle around a common vertical rotation axis.

  In particular, the disk 31 forms a bottom wall of the collection chamber C, is connected to the cylindrical side wall 28 and includes a number of through holes 32 provided around the disk 31 itself. The large number of through holes are divided into groups, and each group is a large number of holes 32 arranged in a line, and the number of holes equal to the number of seats 21 of each group (that is, 14 holes 32). But only 10 are shown).

  As shown more clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9, a disk 33 is further provided below the disk 31, and a plurality of through holes 34 divided into a plurality of groups are provided around the disk 33 itself. It is done. Each group has a number of holes 34 arranged in a row, the number of holes equal to the number of seats 21 in each group (ie, 14 holes 34, but only 10 are shown). Only).

  The hole 34 of the disk 33 directly faces the hole 32 of the disk 31. As a result, a plurality of compartments S for accommodating a certain amount of powdered tobacco are formed by a pair of telescopic guides 35 and 36, respectively. In particular, the upper guide element 35 is inserted into the hole 32 and cooperates with the lower guide element 36 received in the corresponding hole 34 to form a compartment S for collecting powdered tobacco.

  The two discs 31 and 33 are movable relative to each other in the vertical direction, so that the distance between them changes, so that the volume of a single compartment S, the shoulder 38 of the upper guide element 35 is lower than the lower guide element It varies between the minimum volume that abuts the upper edge 39 of 36 (the two disks 31 and 33 are arranged as close as possible to each other) and the maximum volume that the two disks 31 and 33 are arranged as far as possible from each other.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the disk 31 is reciprocally movable in the vertical direction between both end positions respectively corresponding to the minimum and maximum volumes of the compartment S, whereas the disk 33 is fixed.

  The volume of the single compartment S (i.e. the relative distance between the two discs 31 and 33) is a function of the weight (i.e. quantity) of the powdered tobacco inserted into the container element 4. It is determined in the preliminary process of the process of manufacturing. Alternatively or in addition, the volume of the compartment S can be used as feedback based on measurements performed thereafter (as will be explained later) so that the brittle material 14 can be filled as accurately as possible. Be changed.

  The compartments S are filled with tobacco powder poured from the upper hopper 25 and the amount of powdered tobacco contained in each compartment S by the action of two scraper elements 29 and 30 arranged successively in the collection chamber C. Can be adjusted uniformly.

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, each compartment S is made of a plastic material with micropores, closed at the bottom by an additional disk 40 disposed below the disk 33, and is independent of each other. Is designed as an annular element divided into sectors 40 *. Each sector 40 * includes a large number of through holes 41 formed in the vicinity of the inner edge of the sector 40 * itself. The large number of through-holes 41 are arranged in a line, and the number is equal to the number of seats 21 in each group (that is, 14 holes 41).

  Each sector 40 * is reciprocally movable between both end positions, between a forward position (shown in FIG. 8a) and a rear position (shown in FIG. 8b). In the forward position, the sector 40 * forms the bottom wall of the respective compartment S and is arranged so that the outer edge overlaps the cylindrical side wall 28 and the outer surfaces of the two disks 31 and 33.

  The sector 40 * is controlled to retract from the front position and protrude toward the outside of the filling unit 24 until it is disposed at the rear position. In the rear position, each hole 41 is disposed at a position facing each hole 34. In other words, each hole 41 is accurately arranged in the area of each section S.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 10, the filling unit 24 comprises an additional disk 42 disposed below the disk 40 and comprising a number of through openings 43. The plurality of through holes are formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of the disk 42 itself, and are divided into a plurality of groups. Each group has a large number of openings 43 arranged in a row, and has a number of openings equal to the number of seats 21 of each group (that is, 14 openings 43).

  In particular, the openings 43 are precisely arranged in the areas of the respective sections S with the sector 40 * interposed. The opening 43 is bounded by a U-shaped annular edge that forms a downward guiding cavity 44. The guide cavity 44 acts as a guide for the upper edge of the container element 4 and greatly reduces the overflow and deposition of the brittle material 14 (particularly powdered tobacco).

  As shown in FIG. 7, adjacent to the scraper element 30 in the collection chamber C, an arm 45 comprising a plurality of pushing elements 46 is housed. In particular, the arm 45 has a number of pushing elements arranged in a line and has a number of pushing elements equal to the number of seats 21 in each group (ie, 14 pushing elements 46). The arm 45 is reciprocally movable in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower operating position, and in the lower operating position, each pushing element 46 is inserted at least partly into the respective compartment S and from there It is taken out.

  In the area of the loading station CS, an arm 47 (partially illustrated in FIG. 10) is also provided, which is arranged below the disk 42 and comprises a plurality of support elements 48. In particular, the arm 47 has a number of support elements 48 arranged in a row, the number of support elements being equal to the number of seats 21 in each group (ie, 14 support elements 48).

  At the loading station CS, the disks 31 and 32, 40 and 42 stop at positions where each section S can be arranged in the area of the respective pushing element 46 and the respective supporting element 48. The arm 47 can reciprocate in the vertical direction between the rest position and the upper operation position.

In the region of the loading station CS of the container element 5 filled with tobacco powder, the following steps are carried out in succession.
The conveyor 20 carries the empty container element 4 in the area of the loading station CS below the disk 42 and above the arm 47;
The jaws of the seat 21 release the container elements 4 each supported by a respective support element 48;
The arm 47 is actuated to move from the rest position to the upper operating position, so that each support element 48 lifts the respective container element 4 until the upper edge is inserted into the associated guide cavity 44; .
The sector 40 * moves from the front position to the rear position so that each hole 41 is located in the respective hole 34 and the respective section S region, so that the powder tobacco contained in the section S It is possible to move downwards towards the container element 4.
The arm 45 is lowered from the upper position to the lower operating position so that each pushing element 46 is inserted into the respective compartment S; The movement of the arm 45 to the lower operating position is a first step in which the pushing element 46 is accompanied by the downward movement of tobacco powder in the container element 4 and from the guide cavity 44 when the container element 4 is filled. This is divided into a second step in which the arm 45 is associated with the downward movement of the detached container element 4.
-When the arm 45 reaches the lower operation position, the arm 45 moves backward again and moves until it leaves the space S and returns to the upper position.
-Simultaneously with the movement of the arm 45, the arm 47 also operates to move from the upper operating position to the rest position. In the rest position, the arm 47 transports the container element 4 containing tobacco powder to the respective seat 21 with the jaws holding the container element.
-The sector 40 * moves from the rear position to the front, until it is again placed at the front position, in order to prevent communication between the compartment S and the opening 43.
The discs 31 and 33, 40 and 42 of the filling unit 24 eventually rotate while the conveyor 20 transports the container element 4 containing tobacco forward.

  In addition, the movement of the arm 45 associated with the downward movement of the container element 5 containing the tobacco powder can also slightly compress the aggregate of tobacco powder until the desired concentration is obtained.

  What has been described so far with respect to machine 1 should be considered as relating to a particular non-limiting embodiment.

  According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a machine 1 (particularly FIGS. 1 to 3) for producing a substantially cylindrical article 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the tobacco processing industry. Each article 2 is as described above.

  The machine 1 comprises a conveyor 20, an insertion assembly 49 and a contrast means 51. The conveyor 20 is configured to move at least one container element 4 containing a brittle material 14 along a given path P1 via an insertion station IS (see eg FIG. 12). At least one seat 21 for receiving is provided. The insertion assembly 49 is configured to insert the respective substantially rigid element 9 into the container element 4 and is arranged in the region of the insertion station IS, pushing the substantially rigid element 9 downward through the end opening 6. A pushing unit 50 for partial insertion into the container element 4 is provided. The contrast means 51 adds resistance to the bottom wall on the opposite side of the pressing of the pushing unit 50. In this way, the insertion of the substantially rigid element can be obtained in a reproducible, quick and accurate manner with a low risk of damaging the container element 4.

  In particular, the seat portion 21 comprises at least one inner side surface configured to contact the side wall 7. In this way, the risk of damaging the container element 4 is further reduced since the side wall 7 (made of a light and relatively fragile material according to the preferred embodiment) is stabilized in this way. .

  Advantageously, the contrast means 51 comprises at least one moving head 52 configured to move upward in contact with the bottom wall 8.

  This arrangement also makes it possible to reduce the risk of damaging the container element 4 (in this case, in particular, the bottom wall 8 is subjected to low stress during transport and insertion into the seat 21).

  Advantageously, the conveyor 20 comprises at least two jaws 53, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, so that the jaws 53 are seated from an open configuration (eg FIG. 6). It can be moved to a closed configuration (eg, FIG. 12) that forms part 21. In particular, at least one of the two jaws 53 is rotatable (more precisely, pivotable) with respect to the other. More precisely, both jaws 53 are movable (turnable).

  In more detail, the seat 21 is designed to accommodate the container element 4. The collar of this container element is arranged on the outside (directly) of the seat 21 so that the collar contacts the surface (upper part) of the collar itself.

  It should be noted that the jaws 53 as described above can make a particularly soft contact with the container element 4 (either alone or in combination with a moving head).

  According to some embodiments, the machine 1 is a kinematic connected to an actuator (eg, an electric motor or a central source of motion) that moves the jaw 53 (of a known type, not shown). Mechanism).

  Advantageously, the seat 21 opens and moves downwards (to allow the moving head 52 to pass). Advantageously, the seat 21 opens and moves upwards (so that the pusher 50 * of the pusher unit 50 can pass).

  According to some examples of embodiments, the machine 1 additionally comprises a feed assembly 54 (eg FIGS. 12 and 13) configured to feed the substantially rigid element 9 to the insertion station IS. This feed assembly comprises a transfer device 55 for moving the substantially rigid element 9 in a direction transverse to the direction in which the pushing unit 50 pushes the generally rigid element 9 through the end opening 6 (see in particular FIGS. 13-15). ).

  Advantageously, the transfer device 55 comprises two half shells 56 and 57. The two half shells are configured to be joined together to accommodate a generally rigid element 9 between them. In particular, actuating means (of a known type, not shown), eg an electric motor or a movement mechanism connected to a central movement source, the first and second half shells (individually It is provided for moving).

  More precisely, the actuating means moves the half shell 56 through the insertion station IS (independently of the half shell 57, more particularly by holding the half shell 57 substantially stationary). It is configured to move and move the half shells 56 and 57 together from the collection station RS. In the area of the collection station, a substantially rigid element 9 is provided in the half shell 57 and provided in the insertion station IS.

  Advantageously, the combined half shells 56 and 57 have (at least partially) upwardly facing passage openings 58. The pusher 50 * of the pusher unit 50 is configured to pass through the passage opening 58 to contact the generally rigid element 9 and push this generally rigid element toward the container element 4.

  In particular, the passage opening 58 is formed in the half shell 57 (only). More specifically, the half shell 57 is an upper portion 59 configured to surround the first (upper) portion of the generally rigid element 9 so as to allow the generally rigid element 9 to pass therethrough. An upper portion configured and configured with an upwardly facing opening 58 and a lower portion 60 configured to cooperate with the half shell 56 to surround the second (lower) portion of the generally rigid element 9. And comprising.

  According to some embodiments, the feed assembly 54 comprises at least one feed channel 61 for transporting the substantially rigid element 9 to the transfer device 55, in particular to the collection station RS.

  In particular, the channel 61 is configured to send the rigid element 9 in the longitudinal direction and in the downward direction (especially in a substantially vertical direction).

  More precisely, the feed channel 61 is oriented downwards (extending from top to bottom) so that the substantially rigid element 9 moves inside the feed channel 61 itself by taking advantage of gravity.

  According to a particular embodiment, the feed channel 61 is configured to accommodate a row of generally rigid elements 9 one disposed on the other.

  In particular, the feed channel 61 is configured to carry a generally rigid element through the passage opening 58.

  According to some embodiments, the feed assembly 54 comprises a plurality of feed channels 61 and a dispensing device 62 arranged in sequence. In particular, the dispensing device 62 is configured to carry the generally rigid element 9 to the various channels 61.

  Advantageously, the dispensing device 62 comprises a deformable duct 63 configured to feed the substantially rigid element 9 to the (upper) end 64 of the feed channel 61 opposite the transfer device 55.

  In particular, the machine 1 (and more particularly the feed assembly 54) further comprises actuating means (of a known type, not shown), eg an electric motor or a motion mechanism connected to a central motion source. Prepare. This actuating means moves one discharge end 65 of the deformable duct 63 in a direction parallel to the continuous feed channel 61. In this way, the discharge end 65 can bring the substantially rigid element 9 into the region of the channel 61 that actually needs it, and this channel 61 is thus refilled.

  Advantageously, the additional actuating means is arranged to move the discharge end 65 in a direction transverse to a direction parallel to the continuous feed channel 61. In this way, it is possible to avoid sending a channel 61 that does not require a substantially rigid element (in fact, by moving it forward and / or backward of the end 64).

  Advantageously, a support surface is provided that is offset (and parallel) to the continuous feed channel 61. It is possible to prevent the discharge end portion 65 from sliding on the support surface and the substantially rigid element 9 from coming out of the support surface.

  In some embodiments, the machine 1 (more specifically, the feed assembly 54) is a sensor (of a known type, not shown) that detects the presence of the generally rigid element 9 in the feed channel 61. A controller (of a known type, not shown) designed to activate another actuation means as a function of what is detected by such a sensor. For example, the sensor may output a signal when the row of substantially rigid elements 9 contained in the channel 61 is below a minimum level or above a maximum level.

  The feeding of the substantially rigid element 9 is particularly efficient and precise as described above.

  According to some embodiments, the feed assembly 54 comprises at least one storage 54 * (of a type known per se) and a conveyor 62 * that carry substantially rigid elements to the dispensing device 62. Advantageously, the storage 54 * is provided with a selection and collection system that allows the rigid elements 9 to be selected and removed as required.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machine 1 for manufacturing a substantially cylindrical article 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the tobacco processing industry (particularly FIGS. 1 to 3). Each article 2 is as described above.

  The machine 1 includes a conveyor 66 and an insertion assembly 70. Conveyor 66 is adapted to move at least one composite element 67 comprising substantially rigid elements 9 and container elements 4 (particularly composed of both elements) through the insertion station IS2 along a given path P2. Configured. This conveyor is at least one seat 68 configured to receive a composite element 67, which blocks the substantially rigid element 9 and at least partially frees the container element 4 in the area of the insertion station IS2. At least one seat comprising a blocking device 69 configured to do so. The insertion assembly 70 is configured to insert the composite element 67 at least partially into the corresponding tubular body 3. This insertion assembly is arranged in the region of the insertion station IS2, with one of the composite element 67 and the tubular body 3 facing the other (in particular so that at least a part of the container element 4 is inserted into the tubular body 3). And a pushing unit 71 for pushing.

  More precisely, the pushing unit 71 is configured to push the tubular body 3 towards the composite element 67.

  According to some embodiments (such as those shown), the conveyor moves the group of composite elements 67 intermittently to the insertion station IS2 (i.e. discontinuous movement providing a periodic alternation of movement steps). The pushing unit 71 inserts a plurality of composite elements 67 into each tubular body 3 during the resting step.

  In some cases, the pushing unit 71 includes a plurality of pushing tools each configured to push one tubular body 3 simultaneously.

  In particular, the conveyor 66 is configured to move the composite element 67 laterally (relative to the longitudinal extension of the composite element 67). More precisely, the conveyor 66 is configured to move the composite element 67 in the horizontal direction.

  In particular, the conveyor 66 is configured to move the groove 72 laterally.

  According to the example shown in the drawings, the seat 68 has a lateral opening (especially substantially horizontal) of the end opening 6 (which the substantially rigid element 9 engages) of the container element 4 arranged in the seat 68 itself. Configured to be oriented).

  In some cases (as in the illustrated example) the conveyor 66 comprises at least one groove 72 designed to receive the tubular body 3. The seat portion 68 is disposed so as to face the open end of the groove 72 (in the direction in which the groove extends in the longitudinal direction). In particular, the seat 68 is an opening 73 configured to traverse the composite element 67 (when the composite element 67 is placed in the seat 68) and faces the groove 72 toward the groove 72. The opening 73 is provided. In other words, the composite element 67 (when transported by the conveyor 66) extends through the opening 73 in the seat 72, with the opening facing the groove 72.

  Advantageously, the insertion assembly 70 comprises a flat plate 73 (FIGS. 18-20) with a second groove 74 designed to receive the tubular body 3 (of known type and illustrated). Not) actuating means (e.g. an electric motor or motion mechanism connected to a central motion source). The actuating means is such that the flat plate 73 is in a conveyor position so that the flat plate 73 itself is separated from the conveyor 66 (FIG. 18), and the groove 74 is opposed to the groove 72 (mounted on the upper surface of the groove 72). 66 to form a tubular channel together with an operating position (FIGS. 19 and 20) shaped such that the tubular body 3 can slide (longitudinally) within the tubular channel. The flat plate 73 is moved between them.

  The flat plate 73 holds the tubular body 3 in a properly oriented state, thereby helping to more accurately insert the composite element 67 into the tubular body 3 itself.

  Advantageously, the blocking device 69 comprises a blocking element 75 configured to block at least a part of the substantially rigid element 9, a blocking element 76 at least partially surrounding the container element 4 (known type). And not shown) actuating means (eg, an electric motor or motion mechanism connected to a central motion source). This actuating means makes the blocking element 76 independent of the blocking element 75 (more precisely, the blocking element 75 so that at least a part of the container element 4 is free from the projection and inserted into the tubular body 3. Move).

  Advantageously, the seat 68 is configured such that the collar 11 is placed in contact with the outer surface of the blocking element 75.

  According to some embodiments, the machine 1 comprises a feed assembly 77. This feeding assembly is configured to feed the tubular body 3 to the conveyor 66, in particular to each groove 72, and in particular a pusher assembly 78 for pushing the tubular body 3 longitudinally (and horizontally) into each groove 72. Prepare.

  In some cases, the feed assembly 77 includes a storage 79 in which the collection of tubular bodies 3 is held in a substantially horizontal direction. In particular, the pusher assembly 78 is configured to move the tubular body 3 from the storage 79 (more precisely, the lower outlet of the storage 79).

  Advantageously, the conveyor 66 is configured to move in an intermittent motion to carry a group of composite elements 67 substantially simultaneously within the area of the insertion station IS2. The insertion assembly 70 is configured to insert each of the plurality of composite elements 67 at least partially into the respective tubular body 3.

  In some cases, as shown, the machine 1 further comprises a discharge arm 66 * configured to take a group of articles 2 from the conveyor 66 and send such group to another output conveyor.

  Advantageously, what is shown for the machine 1 of the first aspect of the invention is combined with what is shown for the machine 1 of the second aspect of the invention.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a generally cylindrical article 2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) of the tobacco processing industry. Each article 2 is as described above.

  This method involves the container element 4 having an upwardly opening end opening 6 along a given path P1 via a loading station CS and a first insertion station IS arranged downstream of the loading station CS. A conveying step, a loading step, a loading step in which the brittle material 14 is inserted into the container element 4 in the region of the loading station CS during this step; A first insertion step in which 9 is moved downwards (at least) partially into the container element 4 to obtain a composite element 67 and a second insertion step carried out after the first insertion step During this step (in order to obtain a generally cylindrical article 2 of the tobacco processing industry) the composite element 67 is at least partly within the tubular body 3 Including a step to be inserted into.

  According to some embodiments, the method is a rotation step performed after the first insertion step, during which the composite element 67 is engaged with the end opening (which is substantially engaged by the rigid element). 6 is rotated so that it faces essentially the lateral direction (specifically the horizontal direction). During the second insertion step, at least one of the composite element 67 and the tubular body 3 moves in a substantially horizontal direction so as to at least partially insert the composite element 67 into the tubular body 3.

  Advantageously, the method includes a transfer step performed after the first insertion step and before the rotation step. During this transfer step, the composite element 67 is moved at its upper and lower ends by moving the two blocking elements 80 and 81 in opposite directions (toward each other) (with a tong-like movement). In contact with the element 9, each by contacting the container element 4 (by removing the composite element 67), so that the end opening 6 with which the substantially rigid element 9 engages faces upward. It is fixed by holding and taken out in the lateral direction by the take-out unit 82 *. The pick-up unit is rotated about itself (substantially about the horizontal axis).

  In particular, the transfer step is carried out in the region of the transfer station TS arranged between the path P1 and the path P2, and the composite element 67 is transported from the path P1 to the path P2. More precisely, the transfer is achieved by a transfer device 82 (comprising a removal unit 82 *).

  According to some embodiments, during the transfer step, the pick-up unit 82 * is placed on a substantially horizontal conveyor 66 (after rotating around itself, specifically around a substantially horizontal axis). A composite element 67 is placed.

  According to some embodiments, the method includes a transport step in which the coupling element 67 moves through the insertion station IS2 along a given path P2. In the area of this insertion station, a second insertion step is performed. Specifically, during the conveying step, the composite element 67 has an end opening 6 oriented in the lateral direction (specifically in the horizontal direction) (with the substantially rigid element 9 engaged).

  Advantageously, during the transport step (and in particular the transfer step and the transport step), the group of container elements 4 (and the respective composite elements 67) is moved intermittently (ie the motion step and the stationary step). As a result of which, during the resting step, each of the substantially rigid elements 9 (s) is transferred to this group of respective container elements 4. Inserted substantially simultaneously.

  In addition or alternatively, a group of complex elements 67 provide intermittent movement (ie, a periodic alternation of movement and stationary steps) between the transfer step and the transfer step. As a result, in the stationary step, this group of composite elements 67 are each (substantially simultaneously) inserted into the respective tubular body 3.

  Advantageously, the method includes a first control step performed after the loading step and before the first insertion step. During this control step, the amount of brittle material 14 in the container element 4 is estimated (detected). In particular, during the transport step, the container element 4 is transported through a control station VS arranged (along the path P1) between the loading station CS and the insertion station IS. In the area of this control station, the first control is performed. Specifically, during the first control step, the level of brittle material 14 in the container element 4 is detected (by the laser probe 83 (FIG. 7)).

  Advantageously, the method includes a removal step performed after the first insertion step (especially at the first control step) and before the second insertion step. During this removal step, the composite element 67 is removed from the given path P1. Specifically, the removal step is performed at a removal station WS arranged along the path P1 downstream of the insertion station IS (more precisely, upstream of the transfer station TS).

  In this way, it is possible to eliminate composite elements 67 that are found to be defective after the first control step. Alternatively or in addition, the removed composite element 67 (or removed composite elements 67) can be metered to further perform (more accurate) sample control. . In such a case, the removed composite element 67 (or a plurality of removed composite elements 67) can be weighed.

  Advantageously, the method includes a second control step in which the force applied to insert the generally rigid element 9 into the container element 4 is detected. In this way, it is confirmed that the composite element 67 has proper characteristics.

  In this regard, if the detected force is excessive, this may be due to the fact that the substantially rigid element 9 is in contact with the side wall 7 in error (it is assumed that this side wall is deformed). It is done. If the measured strength is low, this may be due to the fact that the cross section of the container element 4 is too soft for the substantially rigid element 9.

  In addition or alternatively, the method includes a third control step. In this control step, the force applied to insert the composite element 67 into the tubular body 3 is detected (to ensure that the substantially cylindrical article 2 has the proper characteristics).

  According to some embodiments, the method includes an application step of applying an adhesive to the inside of the sidewall 7. This application step is performed before the first insertion step, preferably after the loading step. This application step is advantageously carried out in the region of the application station which is arranged along the path P1 between the loading station CS and the insertion station IS. In particular, the adhesive is applied (dropped) by a sprayer.

  In particular, this method is carried out by the machine 1 according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A machine for producing a generally cylindrical article (2) of the tobacco processing industry,
Each article (2)
A tubular body (3);
A container element (4) arranged in the region of the first end (5) of the tubular body (3), the end opening (6) facing outwards and at least one side wall (7) A container element (4) having a bottom wall (8) opposite the end opening (6),
A substantially rigid element (9) partially received in the container element (4), the end portion (10) projecting out of the container element (4) through the end opening (6) A substantially rigid element (9) having:
A brittle material (14) disposed between the generally rigid element (9) in the container element (4) and the bottom wall (8),
The machine (1)
At least one composite element (67) comprising said substantially rigid element (9) and said container element (4) (specifically made from both elements) along a given path (P2) A conveyor (66) configured to move through an insertion station (IS2), at least one seat (68) designed to receive said composite element (67), A blocking device (69) configured to block the substantially rigid element (9) and at least partially freely open the container element (4) in the region of the insertion station (IS2); A conveyor (66) comprising at least one seat (68);
An insertion assembly (70) configured to at least partially insert the composite element (67) into the corresponding tubular body (3) and disposed in the region of the insertion station (IS2), comprising: An insertion assembly (70) comprising a pushing unit (71) for pushing at least one of the element (67) and the tubular body (3) towards the other;
Comprising a machine.   The machine according to claim 1, wherein the pushing unit (71) is configured to push the tubular body (3) towards the composite element (67).   In the seat (68), the end opening (6) of the container element (4) (particularly engaged with the substantially rigid element) arranged in the seat (68) itself has a lateral direction (specifically, 3, according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor is configured to move the composite element in a lateral direction. Machine.   The conveyor (66) comprises at least one first groove (72) designed to receive the tubular body (3), the seat (68) being the first groove (72). Facing the open end (in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the first groove), in particular, the seat (68) is configured to extend through the composite element (67). The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an opening facing the first groove (72). The insertion assembly (70)
A flat plate (73) comprising a second groove (74) configured to receive the tubular body (3);
The rest position where the flat plate (73) itself is separated from the conveyor (66), and the flat plate (73) are connected to the conveyor (66), so that the second groove (74) is the first. By facing the groove (72) (by being placed on the upper surface of the first groove (72)), the tubular body (3) can slide inside (in the longitudinal direction). Actuating means designed to move the plate (73) between operating positions that together form a tubular channel configured as follows:
The machine according to claim 4, comprising:   The machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveyor (66) is configured to move the first groove (72) in a direction transverse to the forward direction of the given path (P2). . The blocking device (69)
A first blocking element (75) configured to block at least a portion of the generally rigid element (9);
A second blocking element (76) configured to at least partially surround the container element (4);
The second blocking element (4) is independent of the first blocking element (75) so that at least part of the container element (4) can be inserted into the tubular body (3) without being disturbed. Second actuating means configured to move
The machine according to claim 1, comprising: A feed assembly (77) configured to feed the tubular body (3) to the conveyor (66), in particular into the respective groove (72), the tubular body (3) being longitudinally ( Feed assembly (77) comprising a pusher assembly (78) for pushing into each said first groove (72) in the horizontal direction).
The machine according to claim 1, comprising:   The machine according to claim 8, wherein the feed assembly (77) comprises a storage (79) for holding a collection of tubular bodies (3) in a horizontally oriented state.   The conveyor (66) is configured to move with intermittent motion to convey a group of composite elements (67) substantially simultaneously to the area of the insertion station (IS2), the insertion assembly (70) 10. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to insert a plurality of composite elements (67) at least partly into each tubular element (3).

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